Successfully navigating the complex world of federal cybersecurity compliance requires more than just technical skills, it calls for strategic foresight, precise execution, and a thorough understanding of regulatory standards.
Ishita Thanki, a seasoned Senior Engineering Technical Program Manager, has consistently demonstrated her ability to excel in this challenging domain, blending her expertise with a proactive approach to address complex security challenges.
The Federal Cybersecurity Challenge
The federal sector operates under stringent frameworks such as FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act), NIST 800-53, SSDF framework, and FedRAMP, each requiring precise adherence to ensure data security and integrity.
“I will be the person who brings all business units and departments together to ensure federal security compliance and governance, strengthening the overall security of the solution.
“Federal compliance isn’t just about meeting standards; it’s about building a resilient security posture that aligns with regulatory requirements and the organisation’s broader goals. One of my greatest strengths is connecting the dots to make this happen,” says Thanki.
Thanki’s expertise transforms these regulatory frameworks from abstract requirements into actionable strategies. Her work has been pivotal in helping federal agencies and contractors navigate the complexities of compliance while optimizing their security infrastructure.
“The goal is to integrate compliance seamlessly into operations rather than treating it as a standalone task. It’s about embedding compliance into the fabric of day-to-day workflows, ensuring that it becomes a natural part of the process,” she explains.
From Standards to Solutions
One of Thanki’s most notable achievements was leading a project to streamline a federal agency’s compliance with NIST 800-53 and SSDF standards. The agency faced challenges monitoring and maintaining the required security controls across its infrastructure. Leveraging generative AI, Thanki developed a real-time dashboard that automated the tracking of compliance metrics.
“Generative AI allows us to analyze data more efficiently and predict potential compliance gaps before they become critical issues,” she notes. The dashboard integrated data from various systems, providing a comprehensive view of the agency’s compliance status and enabling proactive remediation. This innovative approach reduced compliance-related incidents by 40% within the first year.
Bridging Technical Expertise and Strategic Vision
What sets Thanki apart is her ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and executive stakeholders. “Compliance often involves multiple layers of stakeholders, each with different priorities and levels of understanding,” she explains. “My role is translating technical details into strategic insights that resonate with decision-makers.”
While at Cisco, Thanki worked with a defense contractor to achieve FedRAMP certification for a cloud-based solution. The project required extensive collaboration across engineering, legal, and operational teams. By aligning efforts and maintaining clear communication, she ensured that the project stayed on track, ultimately achieving certification ahead of schedule.
“FedRAMP isn’t just a checklist; it’s a rigorous process that tests the resilience of your security architecture,” she emphasizes. “Our success was a testament to teamwork and strategic planning.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Ishita is deeply committed to mentoring aspiring technologists and fostering the next generation of industry leaders. She actively participates in community initiatives and industry events, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire others.
Her mentorship extends to supporting organizations like Ignite CS, a Google-sponsored program where she taught Python programming to high school students, demonstrating her passion for education and innovation.
Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
Thanki’s impact extends beyond her technical achievements. As a mentor, she has guided numerous professionals in navigating the complexities of federal compliance. “Mentorship is about building confidence and providing the tools to succeed,” she says. Her workshops and training sessions often include hands-on exercises with a focus on quality and security, that simulate real-world compliance challenges, equipping participants with practical skills.
One of her initiatives was organising training programs for federal contractors transitioning to CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) and SSDF Framework compliance.
“CMMC and SSDF represent a significant shift in how contractors manage security,” she explains. “Our training focused on demystifying the framework and providing actionable steps to achieve compliance.”
One of her most notable accomplishments was leading a company-wide hackathon, where she played a key role in fostering innovation and collaboration.
Thanki analyzed work of 210 students who registered, and selected 78 students to participate for final hackathon event. Out of 78 students across 33 universities globally, 10 winners across 520+ teams and 6 winners for originally coming up with their own custom AI solution.
Drawing on her deep expertise in the field, she evaluated contributions from engineers across the globe, providing hands-on guidance to interns specializing in AI and automation.
Participants represented a diverse range of countries, including the USA, India, and Canada. Thanki’s pivotal responsibilities included pairing emerging talent with experienced professionals and assessing the innovative solutions presented by thousands of highly skilled engineers.
Thanki has also earned a reputation as a cybersecurity and technical program management thought leader, landing her on some of the most prestigious platforms.
One standout moment was her feature on Think Fast, Talk Smart, the award-winning podcast from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
As the top-ranked careers podcast in countries like the US, UK, and India, it provided the perfect stage for her to share strategies on bridging technical and non-technical teams.
Her influence doesn’t stop there. Thanki also took part in the Me2We Conference, a renowned event that brings together thought leaders and industry experts to spark collaboration and drive innovation.
Known for its focus on leadership and meaningful global change, the conference further showcased her ability to inspire action and foster transformative ideas across diverse fields.
Ping Luo is a cybersecurity and risk management expert with experience in leading teams and managing complex technical environments. Having worked closely with Ishita, he is praised for her contributions.
“Ishita is one of the top professionals I’ve enjoyed working with. She assumed a Scrum leadership role at Cisco, inspiring and motivating her colleagues. Her eagerness to learn technical and leadership skills was evident throughout her time on my team. Ishita’s technical knowledge, combined with her ability to manage challenging environments, makes her a remarkable asset. I wholeheartedly recommend her.”
Automating Compliance with AI
Thanki’s innovative use of AI has revolutionized how organizations approach federal cybersecurity compliance. One of Thanki’s key contributions was automating 80% of compliance reporting processes using AI-powered tools. “Manual reporting is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors,” she says. “AI enables us to generate accurate, real-time reports that align with federal standards, saving both time and resources.”
Her work has been instrumental in developing systems that provide predictive insights, enabling organizations to address potential vulnerabilities before they escalate. “Proactive compliance is the future of cybersecurity,” she asserts. “By leveraging AI, we can shift from a reactive to a preventive approach.”
Dhruvi Tyagi is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff at Salesforce, with expertise in driving successful projects and fostering collaboration across teams. Known for her strategic approach and leadership in technical environments, she brings a wealth of experience to her work.
“I recently started working with Ishita; she is a positive force in any workplace. Her systematic approach to managing scrums ensures everyone is aligned with requirements and deliverables. Ishita’s enthusiasm and organizational skills make her a pleasure to work with, and I would welcome the chance to collaborate with her again.”
Building a Secure and Resilient Tomorrow
Thanki is deeply committed to advancing the role of AI in federal cybersecurity, believing that the intersection of AI and compliance holds the key to making the most significant impact.
“By leveraging AI, we can move beyond simply monitoring compliance to actively guiding organizations toward better practices,” she explains.
Her vision goes even further, aiming to create AI systems that don’t just track compliance but also educate users in real-time.
“Imagine an AI assistant that’s always available to guide teams through compliance requirements as they work, offering instant advice, reminders, and best practices tailored to the specific needs of each team. This kind of intelligent, interactive support could dramatically reduce compliance burden and enable organizations to stay ahead of security risks.”
Dr. (Sam) Swapna Sinha is a renowned project management coach and author, specializing in Agile methodologies and leadership. With years of experience guiding top-tier organizations, she deeply understands what it takes to lead teams effectively.
“Ishita is one of the top professionals in Agile, always learning and evolving. Her energy, excitement, and commitment to Agile principles are unmatched. She excels in leading teams at all levels of Fortune 500 companies. Ishita’s dedication and leadership make her an invaluable organisational contributor.”
Industry Recognition
Thanki’s contributions have garnered widespread recognition within the cybersecurity industry. Her innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact. She has been featured in prominent cybersecurity forums, where her insights into federal compliance and security infrastructure are highly valued.
Her work on automating security compliance processes at Cisco was highlighted in several industry publications, showcasing her ability to simplify complex challenges and drive meaningful change.
She has also been prominently recognized as a distinguished international contributor on the California State East Bay University website.
Thanki’s work highlights her leadership and solidifies her as a key influencer in shaping the future of federal cybersecurity.
Bhaskar Bhupalam is a Senior Distinguished Engineer with extensive experience in leading complex projects and driving technical innovation. His deep engineering and project management expertise has made him a key figure in various successful initiatives.
“Ishita is one of the few professionals I have seen who exhibits zero procrastination. If she has a work item, it’s done already. As a Principal Engineer at Cisco, I worked closely with her for about 1.5 years, during which she managed various stages of complex project development, including scrum management, test handoffs, and release tracking. Her ability to take on challenging projects and deliver exceptional results is commendable. She is a true pleasure to work with.”
Thanki’s expertise in federal cybersecurity compliance is a benchmark of excellence in the field, from frameworks to successful implementation. Her innovative approach, combining AI with strategic foresight, has set new standards in the federal sector. With a strong commitment to mentorship and continuous improvement, she is paving the way for future advancements. As regulations evolve and cyber threats grow more complex, professionals like Thanki will be instrumental in driving the future of secure and compliant operations.
“I want to be remembered as someone who unblocks challenges and connects people through technology, collaboration, or mentorship,” says Thanki.
“I aim to leave a legacy of innovation, security, and positive impact in the tech industry.”
She concludes: “Additionally, I want to inspire others to approach problems with curiosity and determination. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, I aim to empower others to reach their full potential.”
